Organization receives anti-bullying grant

Tuesday

Jan 4, 2011 at 12:01 AMJan 4, 2011 at 4:17 AM

Communities for Restorative Justice (C4RJ) has received a $5,000 award from the Foundation for MetroWest to support C4RJ’s work addressing cyberbullying and criminal harassment among school children. C4RJ sought the funds in order to obtain expert, research-based guidance as it develops protocols for applying restorative justice in cases of bullying.

Communities for Restorative Justice (C4RJ) has received a $5,000 award from the Foundation for MetroWest to support C4RJ’s work addressing cyberbullying and criminal harassment among school children. C4RJ sought the funds in order to obtain expert, research-based guidance as it develops protocols for applying restorative justice in cases of bullying.

The topic, and C4RJ’s approach, drew the attention of the Foundation because of recent tragic incidents of bullying that preceded the deaths of young people in Massachusetts and around the country. All Massachusetts schools districts are required to have in place by Jan. 1 a plan for addressing harassment, and particularly harassment using electronic communications.

The Foundation for MetroWest promotes philanthropy, helps donors maximize the impact of their local giving, serves as a resource for local nonprofit organizations, and seeks to enhance the quality of life for all the region’s citizens. For more information, visit www.FoundationforMetroWest.org.

Restorative justice provides a process wherein a victim, or target, is supported and offenders are held accountable for their actions and provided an opportunity to examine decision-making and learn about the effects of their actions. If the victim chooses to do so, he or she may meet with those who harassed or otherwise harmed them.

C4RJ, a nonprofit with a 10-year history, partners with police in Acton, Ayer, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Everett, Groton, and Littleton to provide restorative “circles” to address instances of criminal wrongdoing, including cases of harassment and cyberbullying.